So many sights and sensation make up the country that is India. There are tiger parks and magnificent residences of Maharajahs, cool hills resorts with tea plantations with views of the distant Himalayas, there are the beaches of Goa and the pepper ports of the Malabar Coast to mention just a few. Here's a look at three of the marvels that define this vast and varied land - the Taj in Delhi, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the National Library in Kolkata. Everyone visits the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, but in Dehli stands its precursor, Humayun's Tomb. Humayun was a Mughal Emperor during the 16th century. A native of Kabul, Humayun took the throne of Agra in 1530. He was a studious man and was fascinated by mathematics and astronomy. He also brought in Persian artists to add their stylistic influences to result in the classic Mughal form of architecture. He died in 1556 after falling down the steps of his library. The garden tomb built by his widow Baga Begam in the years 1565 - 1569. It was India's first full-blown example of Mughal architecture in all its glory with the expansive gardens replete with water channels and fountains. 70 years later, this style of architecture was to reach its apex with the construction of the Taj Mahal. In the port city of Mumbai (Bombay) in western India on the Arabian Sea stands the Gateway of India, a 26-metre structure of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. This ceremonial archway is a symbol of the British Raj, the colonial government that ruled India from 1858 until 1947. The Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in India in 1911 to attend the Delhi Durbar. The monarchs passed through a plaster of paris replica of the gateway which was constructed over the following years. The actual gate was inaugurated in 1924. Later governors and colonial officials arriving by sea would pass through this archway. When India gained independence, the last British troops, the first battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, marched under the gateway to their waiting ship to sail away from India forever. The eastern coastal city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) has long been the intellectual hub of India. Nicknamed the "City of Thinkers", it's long been the haunt of the country's leading artists and writers. This makes it the fitting place to be home of the National Library of India. Other than its impressive collection of two million books, the National Library’s setting makes it worth a visit. It’s located on the Belvedere Estate, site of the 300-year-old former summer residence of Prince Azim-us-Shan. India has so many treasures; it's hard to know where to start. But a visit to these three sites makes a great introduction to this sprawling and fascinating country.

Thailand is the most exotic country in Asia and also the most accessible and convenient. There's much to do and see in this kingdom once known as Siam but the Buddhist temples are a must visit. Here's three of Thailand's most unique temples.

Festivals in Thailand are dignified and beautiful occasions which reveal the people's love of beauty and ritual. Here's some of the most fascinating Thai festivals - Songkran and the Vegetarian Festival held in Phuket.

Malaysia's truly diverse multicultural culture can be best seen during one of its many festivals and celebrations. Each of Malaysia's cultural groups has its own festivals and celebrations and each month sees a host of colorful festivities.

Celebration is part of the fabric of Indian life and the Indians have special days for gods, gurus, seasons and phases of the sun and moon. Here are three of the most colourful and exotic - Holi, Nariel Purnima and Diwali.

China is an ancient inscrutable land that yields its secrets only to the determined and the seeker who knows where to look. Museums are one place to touch the past. Check out these three to get in touch with this ancient kingdom and its treasures.

The Caribbean, ancient haunt of pirates, calypso music and resplendent history makes a vacation destination without peer. Here's a look at three Caribbean nations and some ways to unlock their past

The world’s second largest nation yet with a population less than that of California, Canada is a land of great contrasts and diversity. It’s a nation of great cities and wonderful scenery from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific in the west.

Brazil is so vast and full of treasures that exploring it would take a lifetime. So how do you choose what to see and do on your vacation? Here are three destinations that can help you understand and enjoy this multifaceted country.

Argentina offers the visitor so much it's hard to know where to start. But to truly experience this South American nation you need to touch the tango, wet your whistle with the local wine and watch the whales.

The Chinese calendar is brimming with festivals and ceremonies of all kinds. Here's we'll look at 3 very special Chinese festivals - the birthday of Confucius, the Beijing Kite Festival, and the big one, Chinese New Year, as celebrated in Hong Kong

The word Caribbean hints at celebration. It evokes the beating of drums in the tropic night, dancing on white beach, and swaying parades bursting with sound and colour. Caribbean festivals are a feast for the senses and a way to connect with the land and the people.

Canada’s great size and diversity makes it home to a vast range of festivals and celebrations from the Festival of Seal Jaws to Easter like the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Canadian National Exhibition, and Vancouver's Celebration of Light.

The Brazilians are among the world's greatest partiers. So it's not surprising that their calendar is full of festivals and events for celebration. Here's a look at three of the most vibrant festivals in this South American land.

Festival time in Argentina offers a chance to join in some unique celebrations. Not only are these events supremely enjoyable, they also offer fascinating glimpses into the people and the country.